Holden Cruze 2011 Problems
No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Holden Cruze 2011 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.
Holden Cruze 2011: Radio in a constant boot-loop
I believe that General Motors in the US did, in fact, issue a technical service bulletin (like a recall, but not a safety related issue) for a batch of Cruzes with dud negative battery terminals. Apparently, the cables were poorly made and could, over time, stop conducting electrons to the point where major systems, including the radio, could go to lunch. But it sounds like you’ve already replaced that component. The thing is, if the cable was replaced with one from the same batch, it could conceivably also give problems. The fact that your radio worked for some months before going on the fritz again, makes me wonder if that’s not the case here.
If the unit itself is at fault, you’re either stuck with finding a specialist who can repair it or replacing it. The good news is that you don’t have to buy a genuine Holden replacement. There are oodles of aftermarket replacement units out there that cost a fraction of the $2000 you’ve been quoted and can upgrade the Cruze to include Bluetooth connectivity, Android and Apple CarPlay and even add a reversing camera for extra safety. That’s the way I’d be going. Especially since Holden is very unlikely to cover the cost of a replacement unit in a car almost a decade old.
Holden Cruze 2011: Fast flashing red light
Car alarms have a really bad habit of draining batteries. Aftermarket ones are the worst, but even the factory alarm can cause a run of flat batteries if it’s not working properly. The faster flashing red light on your dashboard is the clue that something has altered in the alarm or its settings.
An auto electrician can be your best friend in these cases. By the way, not all scanners are created equal and some of the cheaper, online versions don’t cover all the functions of a modern car. A Holden workshop will have the proper scanning tools to make a coherent diagnosis.
Holden Cruze 2011: Leaking water pump
Leaking water pumps are not unknown; most are changed every time the timing belt is changed because they’re leaking.
Holden Cruze 2011: Shutting down
It’s probably an issue with the computer, but it could a wiring issue, a sensor problem. Have a mechanic check it.
Holden Cruze 2011: Transmission problems
Holden is at least showing a desire to fix your car, and getting the engineers to look at it would be worthwhile, but it must getting to the point that the car should be called a ‘lemon’ even though we don’t have such laws in this country. If this had happened in the US there is little doubt that the car would have been replaced or you would have had your money refunded. I would be looking to come to an agreement with Holden to get out of the car.
What's a good small car?
Of those choices the Mitsubishi Mirage would appear to be the best option. It is the newest, has the fewest kilometres, and is the cheapest. It’s also reliable and should give you good service. In order of preference I would suggest the Toyota Corolla and the Holden Cruze.
Holden Cruze transmission problems
The problem with the Cruze transmission is well known.
You have done the right thing by registering your concern with Holden, and it has responded by telling you a diagnostic check is needed to assess the situation with your car.
Pay the $135 for the test, and providing it confirms the problem I would expect Holden to replace the transmission at its cost.
Holden Cruze 2011: Common problems?
They have a lot or problems with the automatic transmission. If you really want to buy a Cruze buy one with a manual gearbox. Apart from the automatic transmission problems they aren’t too bad in terms of reliability. Parts aren’t expensive and they don’t a lot to service.
